Lutheran Church Partners in Trenton

A brief look at the three Lutheran churches in Trenton that will be the primary focus of LIT. The 10 LIT participants will be learning about and serving the community in partnership primarily with theses three congregations. Activities and service will range from Vacation Bible School programming and leadership, visiting nearby social outreach programs in Trenton, and various beautification projects. 

Elect Saints Lutheran Church

Rev. Agnes B Gbardoe

“We are committed to lifting and building people up to their fullest capacity through acts of compassion. Our ultimate goal is providing services and fellowships to humanity in the integrity of the Holy Bible. Our vision is to form a church that edifies the individual with compassion, building him/her up with the truth of the Bible, networking with other churches and organizations, honestly declaring salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, the United States and internationally.”

More at: http://electsaintschurch.org/ 

St. Bartholomew Lutheran Church

Rev. Aaron Richter

“At St. Bart we are blessed to have members who care about fellow members and the surrounding community and strive to fulfill Jesus' instructions in Matthew. We also have the words of our Mission Statement to guide us in these endeavors. We care by welcoming visitors, refugee assistance, crafts for the needy,  Bible study groups, youth ministry and other activities.”

More at: http://www.stbartlutheran.org/ 

Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 

Raymond Kolison, Pastor

“Lutheran Church of the Redeemer has a long history in Trenton, and celebrated its 150th Anniversary in 1999. Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in Ewing NJ, a daughter church, was established as an ‘outreach to the suburbs’ in 1961. Located downtown on Broad Street near the Capitol Complex, Redeemer is gathering Liberians in an increasing vibrant African national ministry.”

These three pastors, along with the support of other Lutheran pastors in the Mercer County cluster, will form  a leadership team that will guide our LIT participants in their seven week journey of discovery  - just what God is "up to" in and around Trenton? 

Once the program begins on July 1, each participant will be blogging about his or her experiences during the course of LIT. So stay tuned!! 

Lutherans in Trenton 2012

Summer 2012 Program

The Mercer Lutheran Mission Cluster is sponsoring a project this summer that would engage young adults in supporting the summer programming of the three Trenton Lutheran congregations- Elect Saints, St. Bartholomew, and Redeemer. This program seeks to do several other things: deepen discipleship in young adults, as well as guide their understanding for the urban-suburban partnership that our Mission Cluster participates. Lastly, this also helps to seek out and understand the urban gifts and challenges that are unique to the city of Trenton.

This program seeks to look at two distinct issues, the growing fear of the city of Trenton, as well as the need to keep young adults talking about and deepening their understanding of faith. This program will use an action-reflection model, so not only will we do stuff but we’ll also talk about it.

SOME IMPORTANT QUESTIONS!!!
Who are these young adults?

These 10 young people are active in their congregations, and are looking to grow in their faith as well as serving this community.  They range in age from 18-25, were born all over the country as well as outside of it, worship all over Mercer County, and are dynamic, amazing leaders in our church.  More will come with their bios (coming soon!).

What are the dates?

The program will run from July 1-August 19th, beginning on that Sunday with a commissioning at St. Bart’s, and a farewell and Godspeed service at the end.

What are the hours?

They will be working: 25-30 hours a week; some mornings, some evenings, some working, some praying.

What kind of work are they doing?

They will be working across an array of contexts: helping with Vacation Bible School, building and grounds maintenance, working with children, etc.

Are they being compensated?

While there was much discussion about the gift of serving and how it builds character, we elected to support these young adults as they participate in this summer. For the whole summer $1750. This breaks down to $250 a week, or about $10 an hour.

Please stay tuned as this site gets up and running!! Prayers as this adventure begins are much appreciated!